92 points
"Color: dark; Nose: intense; Aromas: red berry; Acidity: lively; Sweetness: dry; Body: full-bodied; Finish: persistent; Overall: bold; Outstanding - Will be amazing 2008 and beyond.
2003 THE AMBASSADOR
The Ambassador represents the finest expression of our estate vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley. It is a classic Bordeaux-style blend that incorporates our most prized estate blocks, chosen for their potential to yield a wine of extraordinary depth, complexity and character. This wine is named in honor of Ambassador Leonard Firestone, who planted our first vineyard in 1972, and it ultimately celebrates our family's three generations of winegrowing experience. Only vintages of superior quality are deemed worthy of The Ambassador designation. The 2003 vintage follows the inaugural 2001 bottling as our second release of The Ambassador.
Adam Firestone
3rd Generation Winegrower
Tasting Notes
The individual lots of five varietals were selected after fermentation and aged for 22 months in French oak barrels (75% new oak). At the completion of aging, we identified the finest barrels from each lot, and the final blend was assembled from these barrels after exhaustive trials. Our 2003 Ambassador begins with a warm bouquet of black cherry, raspberry, mocha and cinnamon spice. Rich, toasty flavors of cassis, plum and dark chocolate unfold in seamless layers across a broad, chewy texture. Accents of caramel and clove join firm tannins on a long, supple finish.
Varietal Composition
Cabernet Sauvignon: 45%
Cabernet Franc: 20%
Petit Verdot: 20%
Merlot 10:%
Malbec: 5%
473 Cases Produced
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Best 2008-2015